2 CanCer CliniCal trials

3 CanCer deteCtion teChnology

4 aqua therapy for arthritis

7 fun steps to family health

HealthMattersspring 2010

A s increasing numbers of baby boomers reach retirement

age, joint replacement surgery is becoming a reality for

more and more Americans. Relief from osteoarthritis

pain and improved joint function to continue active lifestyles are

common reasons for choosing joint replacement. Learning how to

protect your joints, and what to expect if joint replacement is in

your future, can help you stay active for years.

Protect Your JointsThe Arthritis Foundation and the American Academy of

Orthopaedic Surgeons suggest you take these steps to

protect your joints:■ Maintain a healthy weight. Losing extra pounds reduces stress

and wear and tear on knees, hips, back, and feet.■ Exercise regularly. Physical activity protects joints by

strengthening the muscles that support them.■ Avoid repetitive stress. Alternating strenuous activities with rest

puts less stress on sensitive joints.■ Swap high-impact sports with low-impact activities. Instead of

tennis, racquetball, or running, try swimming, water aerobics,

walking, or golf.■ Use over-the-counter or prescription medications to control

pain and inflammation. You can also receive injections of

corticosteroids directly in painful knee joints.■ Take part in physical or occupational therapy. This can increase

joint flexibility, muscle strength, and range of motion.■ Use mechanical aids such as braces, crutches, walkers, or canes.

When to rePlaceIf you have any of the following signs, lifestyle changes may not

be enough. Speak with your doctor about joint replacement if:■ Your joint pain is disturbing your sleep.■ You have tried different noninvasive treatments, including pain

medications, and they are not controlling your joint pain.■ Your joint pain limits your ability to keep up a normal routine.■ Your joint pain makes it hard for you to get out of a chair, go

up stairs, or get up from the floor. ■

The ToTal JoinT CenTer aT hMh

What does the total joint center mean for you? You can

get expert care close to home for routine hip and knee

replacements. The Total Joint Center offers private patient

rooms and a physical therapy gym. If you experience

joint pain and have been considering surgery, call Hardin

Memorial Hospital at 270-737-4HMH (4464) for more

information.

preserve or replaCe aging joints

2

cancerCare

Clinical Trials Bring Hope to Cancer Patients

T he Cancer Care Center at

Hardin Memorial Hospital is

now conducting cancer clinical

trials. Clinical trials are studies designed

to develop, produce, and evaluate the

effectiveness of new treatments and

therapies for diseases. According to the

National Cancer Institute, there are

different types of cancer clinical trials,

including:■ Prevention trials designed to keep

cancer from developing in people who

have not previously had cancer■ Prevention trials designed to prevent

a new type of cancer from developing

in people who have had cancer■ Early detection trials to find cancer,

especially in its early stages■ Treatment trials to test new therapies

in people who have cancer

■ Quality of life studies to improve

comfort and quality of life for people

who have cancer■ Behavioral studies to evaluate ways of

modifying cancer-causing behaviors,

such as tobacco use■ Genetic studies to address how genetic

makeup affects detection, diagnosis,

and treatment of cancer

Most clinical research progresses in

an orderly series of steps or phases.■ Phase I trials are the first studies to

evaluate how a new therapy should be

administered: how often, and in what

dosage. The focus is to determine

safety for the next phase of testing.■ Phase II trials provide preliminary

information about how well the new

therapy works, and generates more

information about its safety and

benefits. A Phase II study usually

focuses on a particular type of cancer.■ Phase III trials compare a promising

new therapy, combination of treat-

ments, or procedure with a current

standard of treatment.■ Phase IV trials include the continuing

evaluation that takes place after FDA

approval, when the therapy is already

available for general use.

Who can ParticiPate in a trial?Each protocol in a trial defines specific

characteristics, called eligibility criteria,

that participants should have in order to

participate in the study. Characteristics

may include type of disease and its stage,

as well as the participant’s age and gen-

eral health.

Eligibility criteria help assure that the

study results answer the research ques-

tion and identify who will benefit in the

future from the approach being studied.

hoW are trial ParticiPants Protected?Informed consent is a process designed

to protect potential participants through

detailed description of important facts

about a specific clinical trial. Safety pro-

cedures are undertaken by the organiza-

tion that sponsors the study and by the

Institutional Review Board (IRB) that

oversees clinical research in the health-

care institution. The IRB includes neutral

reviewers who do not have any personal

interest in the results of the study. They

ensure that the study is conducted fairly

and that there is not a high probability

of harm to the participants. ■

To learn how to participate in cancer

clinical trials at Hardin Memorial Hospital,

please call 270-737-4HMH (4464).

J ust a few decades ago, breast cancer was discussed in

hushed tones, and research on the disease was still in its

infancy. Today, people proudly wear their pink ribbons,

and every week seems to bring another media report about

a new breast cancer study. But there is one downside to such

rapid progress: It is hard to keep up with all the changes. To

make it easier, here is a quick rundown of major new advances

in cancer detection.

hoW often to screenMammography is an important tool for detecting breast

cancer early on, when it is easiest to treat. But the benefits and

limitations of mammography vary based on factors like age,

bone density, and personal risk. Experts have different recom-

mendations for mammography. Currently, the U.S. Preventive

Services Task Force recommends screening every two years

for women ages 50 to 74. The American Cancer Society rec-

ommends yearly screening for all women ages 40 and older.

Women should talk with their doctors about their personal

risk factors before making a decision about when to start get-

ting mammograms or how often they should get them.

imaging technologY Mammography, which uses X-rays to produce an image, picks

up 80 to 90 percent of breast cancers in women who do not

have symptoms. But like other medical tests, it is imperfect, so

scientists are always looking for new-and-improved detection

methods to supplement this tried-and-true one.

Some imaging tests are already used in specific situations.

Breast MRI scans, which use magnets and radio waves to cre-

ate detailed images, can help screen certain high-risk women.

Breast ultrasound, which uses high-frequency sound waves to

peer inside the body, can help evaluate breast problems found

on a mammogram.

Combined positron emission tomography and computed

tomography (PET/CT) joins two imaging tests into one high-

tech procedure. This is an excellent imaging tool that can

be used to diagnose breast cancer, as well as to evaluate the

extent and location of the cancer's spread. If the doctor rec-

ommends radiation therapy to treat breast cancer, the PET/CT

images can be used for treatment planning. ■

healthteChnology

a Clearer piCture in Breast CanCer deteCtion

www.hmh.net 3

hMh DiagnosTiC iMaging CenTer offers BreasT Mri

The open MRI at Hardin Memorial Hospital’s Diagnostic Imaging

Center has an opening of nearly 2½ feet in diameter. And picture

this: There is almost one foot of free space between your head and

the magnet.

For your comfort and peace of mind, this spacious open MRI

helps ease claustrophobia by enabling the majority of exams to be

performed with your head completely outside of the machine. Plus,

Hardin Memorial Hospital’s Diagnostic Imaging Center is the only

one in the region providing the most advanced technology for open

MRI exams as well as offering breast MRIs.

We also focus on making our services easily accessible, with des-

ignated parking just off Woodland Drive. Ask your doctor to refer you

to the imaging professionals at the HMH Diagnostic Imaging Center.

4

theraPYserviCes

water workouts for arthritis relief

R egular low-impact exercise is a powerful antidote for

arthritis. Walking, swimming, yoga, and tai chi are

good workouts to try. If you prefer an exercise program

with a bit more splash, give water therapy a try. The Therapy

and Sports Medicine Center offers aquatic-therapy classes for

people with arthritis.

Exercising in water offers some unique benefits. “When

you are in water, there is not as much pressure on the joints,”

says Eric Oliver, coordinator of sports medicine for Hardin

Memorial Hospital. “But because every movement you make

in water is against resistance, you still get all the benefits of

exercise on land. And the warm water relaxes the muscles.”

Classes are held in our aquatic-therapy pool, a Hydroworx

2000. “One of the big advantages of this pool is that you do

not need to walk up or down steps to get in,” says Oliver.

Instead, the pool floor can be raised and lowered for those

who cannot climb stairs.

Here are other helpful tips for coping with painful bouts

of arthritis:■ Wrap a towel around a hot-water bottle or a hot pack and

place it on the painful area. Heat relaxes muscles and

increases blood circulation. Use a cloth to protect skin from

injury when treating an area over a bone that is close to

the skin’s surface.■ Apply a cold pack or ice pack to the painful area. Cold

numbs the sore area and reduce inflammation and swelling.■ Between heat or cold treatments, allow skin to return to a

normal temperature and color.■ Apply an over-the-counter (OTC) heat rub.■ Get a gentle massage.■ Wear clothes that keep you warm and dry.■ Wear socks, gloves, leg warmers, or knee socks to keep your

joints warm while you sleep.■ Use an electric blanket to pre-warm your bed and keep you

warm at night.■ Use OTC medications such as ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal

anti-inflammatory agent that relieves pain and reduces

inflammation. Be sure to understand and follow your health

care provider’s instructions. ■

The aquatic-therapy pool is located at the Therapy & Sports

Medicine Center on the lower level of the Ring Road Medical Plaza

at 1111 Ring Road, in Elizabethtown. To learn more about aquatic

therapy at HMH, call 270-706-5010.

www.hmh.net 5

askthestaffQanswers from our sTaff

Q �Does Hardin Memorial Hospital provide physical therapy services?

AHMH�provides�a�wide�range�of�physical�

therapy�services,�for�patients�of�all�ages.�Our�

licensed�“movement�experts”�can�help�you�regain�

strength,�coordination,�and�balance�after�an�injury�

or�illness.�A�therapist�can�help�you�reach�your�goal�

of�returning�to�independent�function,�walking,�

working,�or�playing�your�favorite�sport.�The�pro-

cess�starts�with�a�comprehensive�evaluation�by�a�

licensed�physical�therapist.�The�therapist�will�then�

develop�an�individualized�treatment�plan�for�each�

patient.�Outpatient�physical�therapy�services�are�

provided�in�two�convenient�locations.�The�

Elizabethtown�location�provides�physical�therapy�

from�7�a.m–5:30.�p.m.,�Monday�through�Friday,�by�

appointment.�The�Radcliff�location�provides�these�

services�by�appointment�only.�■

Dan MartinDirector,�Rehabilitation�Services�Therapy�&�Sports�Medicine�Center

Q What is occupational therapy, and how might it help me?

AOccupational�therapy�helps�people�

regain�the�ability�to�perform�activities�of�

daily�living�such�as�cooking,�dressing,�bathing,�

or�self-care�activities.�Therapists�use�exercise�

and�training�techniques�to�help�you�regain�the�

strength,�range�of�motion,�cognition,�and�fine�

motor�coordination�you�need�in�order�to�be�inde-

pendent�in�your�home�or�at�work.�To�learn�more�or�

to�schedule�an�appointment,�call 270-706-5100. In�

addition,�WorkWellSM�Occupational�Health,�at�our�

Elizabethtown�location,�provides�comprehensive,�

quality�care�to�injured�workers�to�help�them�

return�to�the�workplace.�WorkWell�may�be�

reached�at�270-706-5621. ■

JiMMy Coursey Manager,�Therapy�&�Sports�Medicine�Center

Q What does a hand therapist do, and how can I find one?

AHand�therapists�are�occupational�therapists�

or�physical�therapists�who�have�undergone�

extra�training�to�get�specialized�knowledge�of�

the�function�of�the�upper�extremity—your�hand,�

arm,�and�forearm.�Our�Hand�Therapy�Center�

offers�both�licensed�therapists�and�a�nationally�

certified�hand�therapist.�Hand�therapists�help�

people�recover�from�surgery,�manage�chronic�

pain,�deal�with�nerve�injury,�or�prevent�or�mini-

mize�work-related�hand�and�arm�issues.�The�Hand�

Therapy�Center�is�part�of�the�Therapy�&�Sports�

Medicine�Center�in�Elizabethtown.�To�learn�more,�

please�call�270-706-5100.�■

DeJay HallManager,�Hand�Therapy�Center

Radcliff

1360 Rogersville Road, Radcliff

Elizabethtown (including Hand

Therapy and WorkWell)

1111 Ring Road, Elizabethtown

Both centers: 270-706-5100

Workwell Occupational Health: 270-706-5621

TherapY & sporTs MeDiCine CenTers

For class descriptions, locations, and fees and to register, call 270-737-4hmh (4464).calendar of events | sPring 2010

6

The Wellness on Wheels® (WOW) Mobile Health Unit, a 40-foot,

state-of-the-art mobile unit, brings preventive health care services

and wellness screenings to residents and businesses in Hardin and

surrounding counties. Screenings include blood pressure, heart

risk assessments, cholesterol, body-fat analysis, osteoporosis,

colorectal cancer, stress risk management, and more.

For a complete list of all upcoming screenings, including locations and

times, please call 270-737-4HMH (4464) or visit www.hmh.net.

March Screenings

(National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month)

FREE screenings in March include blood pressure, blood glucose,

and body mass index/weight. A cholesterol panel and osteoporosis

bone density screening are also available at a cost of $20 each.

A colorectal screening kit is available for $5. These screenings take

place on March 11, 13, 16, 17 , and 22 from 7 a.m.–12 p.m.

Bariatric Informational SeminarsThe seminars answer the follow-ing: What is bariatric surgery? Am I a candidate? What do I need to do before surgery? Does my health insurance pay for it? How does my life change after surgery? Seminars take place October 13 and November 3 from 6–8 p.m. Call 800-504-1575 to register.

Free Diabetes Support GroupThis free support group meets the first Thursday of every month at 6 p.m. Please call 270-706-5092 to register.

To see all our upcoming monthly events, please visit www.hmh.net

upcoming classesbusy, and more involved than ever before. This informative class covers the supportive role grand-parents have during and after preg-nancy, preparing for a new grand-child, updates in baby care, safety in the care and home, and effective communication between parents and grandparents. This class meets April 29 and July 29 from 5:30–7:00 p.m. The cost is $5.

Pediatric CPR CourseThis class is intended for members of the general community such as parents, grandparents, siblings, and babysitters who want to learn pedi-atric CPR but do not need a com-pletion card. A participation card will be issued. This American Heart Association Course teaches how to perform CPR on children and infants plus relief of foreign body airway obstruction in children and infants. Successful completion of this course requires a manikin skills evaluation. There is no writ-ten exam. A participant card will be issued and is valid for two years. This course is three hours long. The cost is $20. For class informa-tion, please call 270-706-1247.

Baby CareLearn practical tips regarding care of your newborn from bathing to when to call your doctor. A health care professional will discuss how to choose a pediatrician, basic supplies for the baby’s medicine cabinet, and common new parent concerns. This class can be taken at any time during your pregnancy. The class meets March 17, May 19, and June 9 from 6:30–8:30 p.m. The cost is $5.

Labor Preparation Learn general relaxation and breathing exercises for labor. This class addresses effective coaching techniques and common expec-tations of the delivery process. Specific Lamaze or Bradley meth-ods are not covered. This class is recommended during your seventh or eighth month of pregnancy and meets March 8, April 5, and June 14 from 6–9 p.m. and March 27, April 24, May 8, and June 26 from 9 a.m.–noon. The cost is $15.

Super Sibling (Ages 6–8 Years)Prepare older brothers- and sisters-to-be for the arrival of the new baby. Children practice diapering, holding, and burping the baby. Bring a stuffed animal or doll. The class meets March 3 and May 5 from 6:30–8 p.m. The cost is $5.

Kids Klub (Ages 3–5 Years)Younger children will learn how to prepare for the new baby. Parents will learn how to cope with sibling rivalry. Bring a stuffed animal or doll. The class meets March 10 and May 12 from 6:30–7:30 p.m. The cost is $5.

Breastfeeding This informative class covers the advantages and how-to’s of breast-feeding from preparation to wean-ing. Dads and/or support persons are encouraged to attend. This class is recommended during your sev-enth month. The class meets March 29, April 26, May 24, and June 28 from 6:30–8:30 p.m. The cost is $10.

Today’s Grandparents Today’s grandparent has changed from the grandparents of yesterday. Grandparents today are active,

free sCreenings on The wowApril Screenings

(Irritable Bowel

Syndrome

Awareness Month)

FREE screenings in

April include blood pressure, blood glucose, and body mass index/

weight. A cholesterol panel and osteoporosis bone density screening

are also available at a cost of $20 each. A colorectal screening kit is

available for $5. These screenings take place on April 5, 7, 10, 12, 15,

20, 21, and 26 from 7 a.m.–12 p.m.

May Screenings (High Blood Pressure Month)

FREE screenings in May include blood pressure, blood glucose, and

body mass index/weight. A cholesterol panel and osteoporosis bone

density screening are also available at a cost of $20 each. These

screenings take place on May 3, 5, 10, 13, 15, 18, 19, and 24 from

7 a.m.–12 p.m.

www.hmh.net 7

familYhealth

Promoting Healthy Habits in Your Child

L earning how to be healthy from a

young age will help your children get

the most out of their school years and

set them up for success in the future. Read

on for some key ways to help your child stay

healthy.

children + exercise = alert, confident studentsOf course, regular physical activity helps

kids build healthy bones and muscles and

maintain a healthy weight. But exercise also

promotes self-esteem, lessens depression and

anxiety, and helps kids stay alert in school.

How much does a kid need? At least 60

minutes a day, experts say. There are simple

ways to sneak in this time. Take a longer

walking route to the school bus in the morn-

ing. After school, visit the park and shoot

some hoops. Or go for a family bike ride

after dinner.

electronic amusements, unPluggedMost pediatricians believe that too much

screen time—time spent watching TV and

playing video and computer games—can

harm a child’s academic performance. School-

age kids should not get more than one to two

hours of screen time a day.

To help pull your child away from the

screen, offer some options. Crafts, hob-

bies, and books are all worthy distractions.

Another hint: Keep TVs out of your kids’

bedrooms, and keep the tube off during

homework time.

fuel efficiencYBreakfast is known as the most important

meal of the day for good reason. Eating a

good breakfast can sharpen a child’s memory

and improve school test scores.

Children also need help making healthy

food choices beyond breakfast.

Try these tactics at home:■ Avoid junk food in the house, and skip the

soda. Also, limit juice intake.■ Practice healthy snacking. Good snacks

include low-fat yogurt, veggies and low-fat

dip, and dried or fresh fruit.■ Keep offering finicky eaters nutritious

items. Children may need to be exposed to

a new food up to 10 times or more before

they accept it.

role modelsMost important, remember that setting a

good example by eating healthily and getting

plenty of exercise is key to getting your kids

to adopt healthy lifestyles.

Try making our oatmeal cookie recipe with

your child. It’s a simple healthy treat, and best

of all, your child can say, “I made it myself.”■

applesauCe oaTMeal Cookies

Servings: 9

Kids can bake with adult help.

Ingredients

1 stick of butter, softened

1 cup dark brown sugar, packed

¼ cup molasses

2 teaspoons vanilla

1 egg

2 cups applesauce, more or less

3 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 cups oatmeal

1 cup raisins

Directions

Put butter into a large mixing

bowl. Preheat oven to 375

degrees. When butter is soft,

stir in brown sugar well. Add

molasses, vanilla, and egg. Stir

in applesauce. Add flour, baking

soda, and oatmeal. Stir well. Mix

in raisins.

Spray two cookie sheets

with cooking spray. Use about

a tablespoon of batter for each

cookie. Leave room so cookies

can spread a little bit.

Bake for about 13 minutes

at 375 degrees. Cookies will

be slightly brown and puffy.

Remove cookies from cookie

sheet with a spatula and let

cool on wire rack. Makes about

45 cookies.

Nutrition Information

Serving size: 5 cookies

Calories: 460, fat: 11 grams

carbohydrate: 83 grams,

protein: 7 grams.

careopTions

913 North Dixie AvenueElizabethtown, KY 42701

5566M

David Gray, PresidentMichelle Murphy, Director of Marketing & Public Relations

Health Matters is published quarterly by Hardin Memorial Hospital Foundation, Inc. The information in this newsletter is intended to educate readers about subjects pertinent to their health, not as a substitute for consultation with a personal physician. © 2010

HealthMatters NONPROFIT ORG.

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

Hardin Memorial

Hospital Foundation, Inc.

health mattersin The Mail

Hardin Memorial Hospital is

pleased to bring you this issue

of Health Matters. If you would

like to continue to receive Health

Matters and stay on the Hardin

Memorial Hospital mailing list,

please call 270-737-4HMH

(4464) or sign up online at

www.hmh.net.

H ardin Memorial Hospital is com-

mitted to providing you accessible,

affordable, and quality health care.

We are proud to announce the opening of

our new Express Care clinic in Bardstown.

Express Care makes health care con-

venient to you and your family. You may

visit the clinic when it works best for your

schedule, and you do not need an appoint-

ment. This clinic gives you full control of

your own health information. You can

obtain a copy of your record from each

visit—simply ask, and we will provide it for

you. Express Care provides patient-focused

care and strives to meet the community’s

health care needs.

Express Care’s Stay Well Services include

a range of basic checkups, such as physicals

for children and adults. Stay Well Services

also include counseling and diagnostic

testing, such as diabetes and cholesterol

screenings, and vaccinations for pneumonia,

the flu, and other diseases.

Our Get Well Services give aid for strep

throat, sinusitis, sprains and strains, upset

stomach, and other common but non-life-

threatening illnesses and ailments.

The clinic is located in the Walmart at

3795 E. John Rowan Blvd in Bardstown.

Call 502-348-9960 to learn more.

Clinic hours are: ■ 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday ■ 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays ■ Noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

Express Care accepts many insurance

plans, including Aetna, Anthem Blue

Cross and Blue Shield, Bluegrass Family

Health, Cigna, Humana, Medicare,

UnitedHealthcare, and more. ■

express Care in Bardstown